Barton panel pitches large growth funds, procurement to improve innovation ecosystem
The creation of two large funds aimed at scaling high-growth tech firms is among the recommendations contained in the second wave of reports from the Advisory Council on Economic Growth. The funds would target what the panel describes as bottlenecks in the innovation ecosystem – early- and expansion-stage companies as well as established small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with high impact potential.
New Brunswick training the next generation to build the world’s safest internet
The growing threat of cyber attacks on Internet-based networks is being turned into an economic opportunity for both New Brunswick and Canada. In May 2016, New Brunswick became the first province to develop a comprehensive strategy on cybersecurity and cyber innovation, developed in partnership with academia, government and industry leaders like IBM.
Aerospace sector tempers expectations, despite big asks in federal Budget
Canada’s investment in aerospace innovation likely won’t stop with this week’s announcement by the federal government that it will provide a $372.5 million “repayable contribution” to Bombardier Inc. The interest-free loan, to be provided over four years, will fund R&D for the new Global 7000 business jet, and ongoing activities related to the development of the Montreal-based company’s C Series aircraft.
Tech sector, universities promote Canada as ideal location to live, work and study in response to US travel ban
The Canadian tech sector and associations representing the nation’s universities and scientists are swiftly organizing to criticize a “discriminatory” White House executive order they say impedes the flow of talent and ideas and marginalizes people based on their birthplace, race and religion.
Tech a key component of BC’s push for economic diversification
British Columbia is updating its BC Jobs Plan and will launch a renewed BCTECH Strategy this year as part of the province’s efforts to further strengthen and diversify its economy.
Shifting the innovation conversation to prosperity
In order for Canada to shift its focus from R&D to prosperity, post-secondary institutions have to better prepare young people to excel in commerce on a human level.
Opinion Leader:
Christine Tausig Ford
Budget should reflect that humanities, social sciences are key to resilient economy
Canada needs all of the arts, social sciences and humanities to build an inclusive, innovative, democratic and prosperous society and economy … We urge the Government to ensure that any investments in talent — both international and Canadian — include the humanities and social sciences that are so vital to Canada’s future success.
Univ of Sask taking stronger entrepreneurial approach to tech transfer
The Univ of Saskatchewan has recruited a veteran Swedish venture capitalist to overhaul its Industry Liaison Office (ILO), re-brand it Innovation Enterprise (IE) and inject a strong industry pull into its operations.
Government and business need to identify key growth sectors: Barton council
The Advisory Council on Economic Growth says Canada must choose a small number of promising sectors for growth as the US, UK, New Zealand and Australia have done with varying degrees of success. And while the council does not provide a specific list, it does single out agriculture and food, energy and renewables, mining and metals, healthcare and life sciences, advanced manufacturing, financial services, tourism and education as the best bets.
NSERC announces 2017 winners for top research prizes
Dr Jeff Dahn has been awarded the Gerhard Herzberg Canada Gold Medal for Science and Engineering for his pioneering research to improve lithium ion battery technology – one of a clutch of high-profile awards announced last night by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council…
Leveraging ocean science as an innovation engine for Atlantic Canada
RE$EARCH MONEY editor Mark Henderson recently spoke to John Risley, Nova Scotia’s widely-recognized seafood baron and one of the province’s most influential corporate citizens, about Atlantic Canada’s strategy and prospects for becoming a global innovation hub of ocean-related science.
UK government to consult on proposed industrial strategy with heavy emphasis on science, research and innovation
The UK government is launching a public consultation with the release of a green paper on industrial strategy aimed at increasing productivity and competitiveness at a time when the dominant financial services sector enters a period of uncertainty as the country prepares to leave the European Union.